Also called wind sucking, cribbing is a stereotypy, a repetitive, compulsive activity that serves no purpose for a horse and it poses health risks. Current thinking is that an individual horse might have a genetic predisposition to crib, but the behavior isn’t triggered until he is subjected to stressors related to his lifestyle. Source: EQUUS, July 20, 2021. Link. Horses … [Read more...]
That darned cat
Sharing some of the reasons a cat might display a little Jekyll and Hyde behavior, Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, says to rule out pain or illness before assuming this is merely a behavior issue. She says to figure out the cause of the cat’s change in mood and don’t just label the cat as grumpy, moody or irritable. Don’t overlook pain or illness as a reason for a behavior change. … [Read more...]
NSAIDs, cats, and anesthesia. Are the kidneys at risk?
Although NSAIDs can alleviate postoperative pain in healthy cats, potential adverse effects on kidney perfusion often discourage use of them in analgesic protocols. Berit Fischer, DVM, DACVAA, CCRP, shares results of a study that examined the effects of preoperative NSAIDs on renal function. Source: Clinician’s Brief, April/May 2021. Link. The study authors concluded that … [Read more...]
Why dogs stare at you when pooping
Don’t you just love animal health topics? Amy Morford says dogs look at you when they’re pooping because they’re vulnerable, not because they are embarrassed. . . . they are counting on you to give them a heads-up to possible dangers should they arise during their pooping time.” Source: German Shepard Country. Link. … [Read more...]
Exploring differences between female and male dogs
Patricia McConnell, PhD, shares information gathered in her quest for discovering if significant sex-related differences exist in the training and performance of the domestic dog. It appears there’s no quantitative research, but it is an interesting subject as dogs become more integral in our daily human life experiences. Source: Dogster, April 2009. Link. … [Read more...]
Tick cases on the rise. Lyme vaccines omitted, questioned.
Entomologists have noted the tick population has climbed 15 percent since last year, making Lyme disease more prevalent this year according to CNet’s associate writer Katie Teague. She shares tick information for consumers, including information specific to Ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. NOTE Teague's article does not identify Lyme vaccines as an option for dogs. She does … [Read more...]
Rabid puppy exposes dozens in Georgia and South Carolina
Opinion If you’ve not read this recent account of rabies exposures, please do so. We still have gaps in rabies management and prevention. . . . only 39 states mandate rabies vaccination for dogs; 11 states have no statewide legal requirement for rabies vaccination of any species. Feline rabies vaccination is required in 34 states, and vaccination of ferrets is required in … [Read more...]
Modeling fierce self-compassion
Some people worry that self-compassion will make them soft, but it gives us incredible power, writes Kristin Neff in an excerpt from her book, Fierce Self-Compassion. The book shares how women can harness kindness to speak up, claim their power and thrive. Neff shares three elements of self-compassion, self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness, that each have an … [Read more...]
Communication is key
Remote, in-person or some combination of both, the pandemic has taught us a valuable lesson about the importance of timely, honest, and effective communication. Source: Gallup, June 28, 2021. Link. The Gallup study on the effect of communication in organizations also found that employees who work in an environment where communication is open, timely and accurate are more … [Read more...]
50 most common interview questions
The average person changes jobs 12 times in a lifetime, according to 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you have an upcoming interview, the experts at Glassdoor say preparation and practice are key to a successful one. They compiled the 50 most common interview questions to help job seekers prepare for the next opportunity. Source: Glassdoor, June 24, 2020. Link. So, … [Read more...]
People aren’t just quitting their jobs, they are redefining success
Millions of people are coming out of the pandemic more anxious and depressed than before, according to a global study in the journal, “Frontiers in Medicine.” Instead of chasing an antidote to burnout, we need to incorporate well-being and recharging practices into our work and our lives, writes Arianna Huffington. There’s a global phenomenon in which a record number of people … [Read more...]
Employees blamed for a problem created by employers
Peter Cappelli asserts it is time for a sharp realization by the human resources profession. He says employers are trying to hire a lot of people to fill their earlier layoffs, and they struggle to hire the people with the skills and experience they want fast enough at the wages they want to pay. That is not a labor shortage. Cappelli believes there are just under 22 million … [Read more...]
Ageism in the workplace is alive but unwell
Ageism is alive and unwell in the workplace, according to Michael North and Ashley Martin. Their research found workers who openly oppose racism and sexism were still prejudiced against older workers. Older women are spared from some of these expectations compared with older men. There's this sort of subtle tension where older adults are expected to step aside and get out of … [Read more...]
Lincoln Memorial University pilots new advanced degree option for veterinary professionals
A pilot degree program that offers a Master of Veterinary Clinical Care degree was the focus of The Bridge Club discussion July 22. Following a study of needs and opportunities, the Veterinary Innovation Council recommended that accredited colleges and schools of veterinary medicine explore the development of pilot master of science training programs as discussed during the … [Read more...]
Back to school, but with unprecedented challenges (podcast)
LaVerne Evans Srinivasan joins Mohamed Younis to discuss the barriers students and parents face when going back to school and the resources they can seek. Despite differences in the quality of educational opportunities, this is a unique moment where this disruption hit everyone. Pandemic recovery challenges will affect students in employee and client families alike." Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 22, 2021
Last week’s most read post The hurrier we go . . . Source: Animal Health Digest, July 13, 2021. Link. Germany reports first ASF case in farm pigs Source: The Pig Site, July 16, 2021. Link. Asian swine flu was found in pigs on one organic farm with 200 animals and on a smallholding with only two pigs. All have been slaughtered. Pet dog brain banking … [Read more...]
Cows’ stomachs could hold the key to recycling plastic
Harvesting fresh rumen liquid from a slaughterhouse Australian researchers incubated it with samples of three types of plastic in powder and film form: polyethylene terephthalate which is the type of plastic that’s used in soda bottles, food packaging, and synthetic fabrics polyethylene furanoate, a biodegradable plastic that’s common in compostable plastic bags; and … [Read more...]
It takes a murder to raise a mongoose
Females in banded mongoose groups give birth all at the same time in an underground den. What’s interesting is that none of the parents know which pups belong to them. What transpires is what researchers call a veil of ignorance according to new study findings, writes Mary Jo DiLonardo. Females give care to the babies based on which ones need it most, not based on which ones … [Read more...]
Think before raking the stalls
Longtime equestrians know lung health is crucial to a horse's athletic performance, but Susan J. Holcombe, VMD, MS, PhD, DACVS, DACVECC, presents some interesting numbers about the prevalence of airway disease and impact of reduced oxygen flow. She shares how bedding, raking, sweeping and even feedstuffs create dusty conditions that challenge horses’ and peoples’ … [Read more...]
Travel takes a toll on horses
Did you ever try to stand up in a pickup bed or wagon while going across a field or pasture? If so, you have a concept of what horses go through when being trailered. Christine Barakat and Melinda Freckleton, DVM, share thoughts about traveling with horses. A tired horse is more likely to be injured in a trailer as he struggles to stay on his feet, and fatigue can lower his … [Read more...]
Horses and riders ready for Tokyo Olympic Games
It’s not easy for Olympians to get to Tokyo with all the pandemic-related health concerns. But equestrians faced greater challenges, including having to have horses flown into Tokyo from pre-export quarantine in Europe as there were no horse flights out of North America that satisfied the U.S. equestrian horse welfare requirements. Schedules and other information about the … [Read more...]
Use caution when feeding cats and giving them treats
Once upon a time cats weren’t fat. This statement is true for nearly 100 percent of kittens the day they were born. After that, what we feed them or provide as treats influences how fat they get. Educating cat owners on how much to feed and treat management is needed to keep cats lithe and healthy. Probably 50 percent of cats seen at veterinary clinics these days are … [Read more...]
Puppy pyrexia
Shawn Kearns, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), shares results from a study evaluating the diagnosis, or presumed diagnosis, in a cohort of pyretic juvenile dogs. A minimum database for patients presented with fever should include a CBC, serum chemistry profile, diagnostic imaging, and infectious disease testing.” Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2019. Link. Key pearls to put into … [Read more...]
CBD pet products popularity continues to grow
Cannabidiol and hemp are fast-growing trends in the pet space: Consumers spent US$426 million on pet CBD in 2020 The segment is expected to reach US$629 million in sales by the end of 2021 The most common uses for these ingredients are functional, with calming, stress/anxiety and hip/joint relief at the top of the list according to a Brightfield Group … [Read more...]
5 steps to create a pet fire safety plan
Pets get harmed or affected by house fires each year. In addition to having a pet first aid kit, these five steps can help pet owners be prepared in case of fire. Take basic safety precautions Prevent pets from starting a fire Protect pets when left alone Plan escape routes Arrange for a place to stay Source: ASPCA Pet Insurance. Link. Also see: Pet … [Read more...]
Speaking of Pets – a worthwhile resource
It’s a challenge filling e-newsletter, blog and website content. Enter Speaking of Pets, a 2-minute podcast from NPR and Alabama Public Radio. Host Mindy Morton covers everything under the sun in short, easily usable pieces. Source: NPR, Speaking of Pets, Link. Speaking of Pets with Mindy Norton is for people who care about pets and about humane treatment for animals in … [Read more...]
Spotify’s pet playlists for music that owners and pets will love
Complimentary One of the more popular Spotify playlists is the Pet Playlist. Based on musicology research and a pet-focused survey Spotify conducted, the Pet Playlist generates a list of songs you'll enjoy. Plus, your pet might, too. Source: Insider, via IBPSA Fast Bites, July 19, 2021. Link. The playlist's songs are picked according to what kind of pet you have and their … [Read more...]
Vets DO IT on the phone – Chatfields chat with Aaron Smiley, DVM
Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Jason Chatfield are joined by Dr. Aaron Smiley to find out what is and isn't legitimate telemedicine. Smiley is one of the founders of the Veterinary Virtual Care Association and a champion of monetizing virtual care interactions. Telemedicine is not new. . . 140 years and going strong. What’s new is the expansion in technologies.” – Aaron Smiley, … [Read more...]
Chatfields seek People’s Choice Podcast Award nominations
Opinion, Complimentary Twin veterinarians Jen and Jason Chatfield hosted the top veterinary podcast in 2020. It was the first-ever veterinary podcast to be a finalist for the People’s Choice Podcast Awards (Science and Medicine). In 2021, the veterinarians launched a new podcast, Chats with the Chatfields. They are seeking nomination support for the 2021 People's Choice … [Read more...]
Still embarrassed about things that happened 10 years ago?
Most of us remember a red-faced moment that occasionally pops into mind and takes us right back there. An array of experts weigh in on what you can do to move past that moment and not let it embarrass you any longer. Embarrassment taps into dimensions of our core social identity, who we hope others see us as, and how we deviate from those aspirations.” - Dacher Keltner, … [Read more...]